Christian Concern Committee emergency programs.
At Christian Concern Committee, the case managers have a mission to improve the standard of living for low income families and people of all backgrounds, including agricultural workers, seniors and the rural poor in northern New Mexico. While short term, emergency help may be offered most of the support in Taos County and Rio Arriba and is through economic upgrading, advocacy, preservation of client dignity, job placement and educational advancement.
Christian Concern Committee tries to help struggling residents. Clients may be formerly unemployed, homeless, immigrants and working poor families as they transition back into society. There may also be help for former prisoners or single parents. There is one main goal of preventing further homelessness in northern New Mexico, including Taos County.
Goals are met by working to recreate a bond between program participants and their families, as well as the communities in which they will live and work. Assistance provided may be as follows.
Financial Assistance includes for rent, utilities, prescription medications, and, occasionally, the cost of a bus ticket for those seeking a job. There is also housing for both short and long-term needs in Rio Arriba County. Single-ride bus tickets, with verification of need, such as for a medical appointment or interview may be met.
Christian Concern Committee can offer food and basic needs too. For students or job seekers, look into clothing and shoes from the clothes closet. Free Personal Hygiene Kits may contain toothbrush, soap, Toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, razors for men or women, hair products, and more.
Employment needs are met by group and one-on-one services. The client may be given job leads in Taos County, referrals to hiring employers, and transportation. More practical support from Christian Concern Committee may be assistance with resume writing, practice interview techniques, applications and the use of the computer lab.
The non-profit will always have referrals and other assistance as well. Examples may be support with completing documents related to grants such as TANF or public aid from the Department of Social Services. Other applications may be for SSI Disability, as well as referrals to Legal Aid Society and other human resource agencies.
The Food Pantry from Christian Concern Committee is an emergency-based program. This means that the agency can only assist a household once every certain number of days. It runs off the generous donations of individuals and stores from the region. There are also contributions from national non-profits such as Feeding America and retailers including Wal-Mart or Kroger.
The center will help in providing non-perishable food items and so call taxable items, which may be paper products or hygiene items. The pantry will help income eligible Taos County residents that are in a crisis or short term hardship. Some examples of the groceries available may be Cereal, baby formula, Boxed Pastas, beans, rice, Vegetables, and more.
There is help for immigrants as well. Meals services, food, and other aid is given. The Center at Christian Concern Committee offers social, educational, and recreational activities, and can help clients gain an identification or seek employment or housing. There is also free daily morning snacks and nutritious hot lunches at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
Free discount prescription cards are available in partnership with NACO. Residents of Taos or Rio Arriba may qualify to receive savings on drugs, whether they have insurance or not. The card is free to obtain and use, and there are no forms to fill out or application. Many seniors on Medicare use it as well to save money. To apply, simply pick up a card at any area pharmacy or ask a doctor or pharmacist for it.
The prescription medicine is available from dozens of pharmacies and retailers at a discount, and the savings may be over 20%. The charity also has referrals to other medical conditions and facilities, including clinics located throughout the northern stretches of New Mexico. Christian Concern Committee staff members will encourage their clients to use it. Most of the savings do happen to be for medication not covered by insurance, but this even includes items for pets.
The Christian Concern Committee Life Skills Training Center is open to anyone who is currently homeless or living in poverty. It will help people in northern New Mexico who are homeless or at-risk. Another focus is on migrant farm workers.
The Center's goal is to provide all programs and services clients need to obtain and successfully maintain permanent housing. Center services include Vocational Programs, Psychiatric Care, Counseling, Daily Living Skills Training, Wellness Programs, Life Skills Classes, Home Visits, Hot Meals, and Referrals to state of New Mexico services.
The Christian Concern Committee Christmas assistance program as well as Adopt-a-Family provides food and free toys for underprivileged families during the holiday season. If resources are available, the center gives toys and clothing to each registered child who is 12 years old or younger. In addition, families receive a food voucher to buy a turkey or groceries they need.
Regardless of faith, the committee and its partners such as Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish may be able to help. Dial the organization at (505) 662-4666 for more details.
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